THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER PRESENTED BY:
FYI -- If you're too young to remember, 4-1-1 is the telephone number for local directory assistance in the United States. 4-1-1 is commonly used as a slang word for "information."
FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS ENDING
Many Tennesseans currently receiving unemployment benefits through programs funded by the CARES Act could be nearing the end of their weekly payments. The last day to claim benefits through these federal programs is December 26, 2020. According to federal program rules, many claimants could see their benefits stop before that date if they reach the maximum number of allowable weeks. READ MORE.

The state of Tennessee currently provides unemployment benefits through four separate programs, two of which are new federal programs receive created under the CARES Act.
  • Tennessee Unemployment Compensation
  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
  • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation
  • Extended Benefits
CREATING MORE COHESIVE TEAMS
Jennifer Goodrich of Crestcom leads a virtual discussion about Creating More Cohesive Teams on November 4 at 8:30 a.m., as part of the Blount Chamber's Success in 90 series. REGISTER HERE.

We will focus on personal traits and our own personal reputations that build or erode confidence in us as leaders. Additionally, we will train participants how to build team cohesiveness by getting their team's involved in improving teamwork and team effectiveness.
Join us November 6 at 8:30 a.m. for a virtual School Superintendent Briefing as superintendents Becky Stone, Alcoa City Schools; Rob Britt, Blount County Schools and Mike Winstead, Maryville City Schools to give an update on what is happening in our local public education systems.

REGISTER HERE    

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
U.S. CHAMBER POLICY BRIEFING SET
On November 12 from 8:30-10:30 a.m., you're invited to a virtual presentation conducted by members of the U.S. Chamber as it relates to the business community and the travel and tourism industry.

Tom Sullivan leads a discussion about "Phase 4 Legislation and What It Means for Small Businesses and Communities." Nathan Morris discusses "Liability" and Jon Baselice gives an update entitled "Travel and Tourism: Economic Outlook and Road to Recovery." REGISTER HERE
MEET NEW CONNECTIONS ONLINE
We bring connections to you with our virtual networking option. Held the second Friday of every month, these online meetings are a companion to our in-person coffee clubs. Here you have the opportunity to meet new people in breakout rooms.

The next virtual event is November 13 at 8:15 a.m. sponsored by Allevia Technology.

MAXIMIZE WITH US
Learn more about the Blount Chamber and the many opportunities that go along with being a member. Learn how to make the most of the benefits afforded to you.

The virtual event is November 10 at 2 p.m.


R E M E M B E R !
Your membership is a corporate membership. Please encourage co-workers to get involved, educated, network and promote your company via Blount Chamber events and opportunities.
BE A MENTOR. YOU HAD ONE.
We need 52 more tnAchieves mentors in Blount County. It doesn't take much time and it is fulfilling.

Any mentor who recruits one individual to serve with them will be entered to win a $75 Amazon Gift Card. To be entered, the new mentor must put your name in the "how you heard about us" section of the application Each new person is an entry.

New mentors can apply at http://tnAchieves.org/mentors/apply. Their team will follow up with next steps.
BE PART OF SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
The Blount Chamber wants to celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 28 with you! It's a special holiday created so communities can show love for small local businesses. And it wouldn't be a celebration without businesses like you joining us!

If your business wishes to participate, email alawson@blountpartnership.com. We are trying to get the word out about shopping locally at the beginning of the holiday season, by producing an ad in The Daily Times and doing social media posts the week leading up to Small Business Saturday. 

SHIPPING? NO PROBLEM.
This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 165th installment visiting with Davette Palm Gregory, Logistics Consultant for Transportation Management Co-Op, LLC (TMCO) which provides all logistic services including: LTL price negotiations, freight audit/bill pay, truckload broker, expediter, importer/exporter, and TMS software.

What sets you apart from others?
TMCO is your alternative to using a 3PL. Our consulting services empowers you (the customer) to make smarter transportation decisions for your company. NO hidden fees, NO contracts, NO obligation consultations!
How did you get started?
I have serviced East Tennessee customers as a local freight account executive for over 20 years. I started my career in Knoxville with Consolidated Freightways. After their closure I worked for USF Dugan, Holland, and Central Transport. Five years ago I founded my own "S corporation",DVG Consultants, Inc., acting as an agent for TMCO.

What is your background?
While working for the various freight carriers, I gained the knowledge necessary to assist my customers in all facets of transportation. I have also earned the respect from the local LTL carrier reps, their operations, and their management teams. Allowing me to forge and maintain partnerships within the freight industry.

Who is your mentor?
My freight customers have given me the continued support needed to help me achieve my dream of owning a freight consulting business! And in a few years I look forward to my son, David, joining me after earning his degree in Supply Chain from the University of Tennessee. Since David has grown up with my working in the freight industry he has already met many of my customers and carrier reps. David and my husband, Vance, are both Alcoa graduates.

Describe your customers.
Any business that ships products or receives materials via any mode of transportation.

What do you enjoy about running or working at the business?
Being able to put my knowledge/experience to work for my customers by being their local, trusted, freight consultant. Networking with my community; helping customers; making lasting partnerships and friendships; and getting to do each day what I have a true passion for!

Any additional comments?
Currently applying to obtain my Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certifications. Once received, I will be able to participate in the Supplier Diversity programs.
GET PLACEMENT IN BASICALLY BLOUNT
The 2021  Basically Blount  lifestyle magazine and membership directory is entering production once again. This annual, full-color lifestyle magazine and chamber membership directory is initially distributed to all Chamber members starting Feb. 2021, along with distribution four times throughout the year via area professional offices, newcomers, visitors, and new businesses all looking to relocate to Blount County. 

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of Basically Blount, the importance of supporting the Chamber, and how to get your business involved, contact:

Rick Ford of Marcon Marketing at 865-705-8580

Vicki Hawkins of Marcon Marketing at 865-310-2963

We are pleased to offer a variety of advertising opportunities at cost effective rates through our media kit.


As we begin to publish, please make sure we have your latest information (i.e. contact name, address, phone, email, web address). To see what is listed, please go here
GAIN STRATEGIES FOR PROJECT MGMT
The Novemer 20 edition of soft skills classes offered by the Blount County Public Library is quickly approaching.

This Zoom Webinar session is entitled "Project Management." Gain strategies that will help you to complete projects on time, on budget, and on target.

All participants will earn .5 CEUs per session for participating. They will also receive an email survey two months after workshop participation to assess application of new ideas.

WEBINAR CALENDAR
The Tennessee Small Business Development Center is hosting a myriad of online training webinars to assist you in all facets of your businesses. Take advantage of training opportunities with the SBDC at no cost.

Get the Facts on PPP and EIDL
Hear from SBA every Monday and Friday at noon ET until December 21. Find out what is a myth and what is a truth on SBA loans for small businesses. REGISTER HERE 

November 10 from 4-6 p.m.

November 11 at 10 a.m.

November 12 at 10 a.m.

November 12 from 4-6 p.m.

November 17 at 9 a.m.
TN Chamber Public Affairs Conference
November 5 from 2-6 p.m. | $50

Only two days after the much anticipated election, attendees will hear campaign commentary from Pat Nolan, get to meet Tennessee’s newest United States Senator and United States Congressman and gain a wealth of other information that can only be heard first at the 2020 Public Affairs Conference. REGISTER HERE.
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE
The annual meeting of the Blount County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is set for Nov. 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the Blount Partnership office located at 201 S. Washington St., Maryville, Tenn. There are currently no items on the agenda for the annual meeting other than the regular report made by President/CEO Bryan Daniels. RSVP to Brenda at bfarner@blountpartnership.com
BE SURE YOU'RE FOLLOWING US
If you aren't following us on social media, you must. We are constantly updating information as each day progresses. So, give us a like and stay up-to-date as we move through this crisis.
 
 
And follow tourism updates here:
Here's a great way to offer Member-to-Member deals using your chamber member account. Check the deals.

Members can post Coupons and Discounts to this page at no charge. Click Here
REMEMBER WHEN . . .
Topping the Billboard Hot 100 this week in 1985 was "Part-Time Lover" by Stevie Wonder. The song reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100R&Bdance, and adult contemporary charts. The song's simultaneous chart successes made Wonder the first artist to score a number-one hit on four different Billboard charts. The song was also released as a special 12" version. Lyrically, it tells the story of a man who is cheating on his wife with a mistress, only to find out in the end that his wife is cheating on him as well.
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